Last year the Institute for Optical Sciences introduced Techno2010, an intensive training program for scientists who want to build tech-based businesses, that will capitalize on the advanced knowledge acquired from doing research work. Out of that 4-week period came 10 new companies, which have made steady progress since, in spite of the lack of resources! One can build a company and write one’s own job! Check out the website for examples of companies from last year:
http://techno.optics.utoronto.ca/new-companies/
This year we are doing it again. We are looking for students who are seriously interested in building their tech-based company. Preferably working in teams, and usually with a technology in mind. But if not, we can assist in identifying technology, as well as in assembling teams.
We will interview applicants, and choose about 12 teams, more or less. The training is free, but space is limited – the earlier to talk to us, the better. Please pass along this announcement to anyone interested. We prefer the physical sciences, but we are open to cross-disciplinary ideas out there.
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Techno2011: June 20th – July 15th, 2011
The Institute for Optical Sciences (IOS), University of Toronto presents an intensive workshop for aspiring technopreneurs – fresh science and engineering graduates, current students and faculty supervisors. The workshop will teach young entrepreneurs to successfully translate their scientific discoveries to commercializable products and services. The accent will be on building companies and the approach will be hands on. The highly successful inaugural Techno2010 culminated in the formation of 10 new companies, all of which are growing at a healthy pace.Intensive thematic workshops on IP strategies, product development, financial and human resource management, corporate governance, market potential evaluation, business plan development and presentation skills will be interspersed with topical tutorials on related subjects and inspirational guest talks. The bulk of the time will be devoted to develop the actual business, with access to technical and business mentors and lab space. The IOS will provide lab space for engineering prototype development.The intake will be in teams (suggested size 2-4) with complementary skill sets. Students with masters or doctoral degrees in sciences or engineering will be preferred; those with other background such as finance and management can join the tech teams. Students/faculty may bring their own technology ideas and work on them. Alternatively, for those with strong entrepreneurial bent of mind without a clearly identified project, we can help connect with a team or provide possible projects.At the end of the intensive workshop the teams are expected to be ready with a go forward strategy for tech-based business. The IOS will extend its Business a la Carte™ services to the teams that move forward.Venue: IOS, 60 St. George Street, Suite 331, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A7Dates: June 20th – July 15th; All days weekdays during the course. (Refer to the exact schedule on-line)The workshop is free of charge, but the space is limited, so hurry your applications. Download your application from the website below. The deadline for application is May 20th, 2011. Selection will be based on team interviews.For further information and any questions, please contact techno@optics.utoronto.ca
http://techno.optics.utoronto.ca/
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techno2011 | Institute for Optical Sciences | University of Toronto
60 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A7 | 416-978-3926
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